When I read things about economics from members of the latter group, I too often get the feeling that I'm listening to something as pertinent to reality as was the chatter of that bunch of deposed Russian aristocrats who ensconced themselves in Paris in the 1920's, where they slowly faded into ever more tattered oblivion while yet convincing themselves that they were soon to regain their former power and glory. When I read things about economics from the former group... oh, who the hell am I kidding. I can't bear to read their stuff, so I've sworn off it.
One of the few economists who doesn't give me the feeling that the caviar isn't quite fresh, or cause my eyes to immediately glaze over (at least not very often) is Brad DeLong. If you'd like to read something about Galbraith, DeLong has posted to his weblog these words he wrote about JKG last year. Worth a look.